CALS- Research Aide I- Entomology Department

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Posted: Unknown

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Salary:

Summary:

Summary here.

Details

Posted: 14-Jan-26

Location: Ithaca, New York

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 3-102945

CALS- Research Aide I- Entomology Department

Assist in gathering and organizing data in support of a variety of research projects; conduct web-based literature review or search for related research as directed.
Enter data into database and/or spreadsheets; conduct library searches and telephone surveys and mailings.
Scheduling interviews; assist in conducting routine preset surveys and/or interviews.
Order supplies.
Gather data as requested for reporting and publications.
Maintain lab equipment and sample collection materials.
Adhere to safety and disposal protocols.
Assist with coding procedures.

Research Aide I

The Opportunity

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

For more than 125 years, the faculty members, staff and students in the Department of Entomology have been working to advance the field of insect biology and apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems and improve lives. We are committed to training the next generation of entomologists and disseminating our work through extension and outreach, and we are consistently ranked among the top programs for insect science in the world.

Our cutting-edge research is leading to a better understanding of insect biology and diversity, to improve human and animal health and increase the sustainability of our food production and ecosystems.

The position is located within the department of Entomology. The primary purpose for this position is to bioassays with seed corn maggot in the lab and on Cornell research farms. Seed corn maggot is a seed and seedling pest of corn in New York that is currently controlled using neonicotinoid pesticides. With the upcoming NY ban on these products in field corn, we are investigating alternative control techniques. One approach is manipulating the seed's own defenses using application of the hormone methyl jasmonate. We are currently working on different projects to understand different methods for applying methyl jasmonate, how methyl jasmonate treatment affects adult and larval behavior and performance in different soil types, and how fly density affects plant resistance. We are recruiting a technician to join our team to assist in the studies of methyl jasmonate resistance to seed corn maggot.

The technician will assist the PI, Jennifer Thaler, postdocs and graduate students performing lab and field research with an emphasis on bioassays with seed corn maggot flies and larvae in the lab and at Cornell research sites, data entry, extracting data from literature articles and colony care.

Primary duties for this project will include performing bioassays with adult and larval seed corn maggots and preparation of corn seeds treated with methyl jasmonate. Driving to Cornell field sites to assist with on-farm experiments with corn plants, soil treatments and flies. Colony care which includes manipulation of adult and larval flies and maintaining clean protocols, growing corn plants, composting, and cage clean up. Attention to detail, data entering and organization. The candidate may also assist in extracting data from articles and ordering supplies. The candidate will attend weekly Thaler lab meetings. The ideal candidate is very careful and detailed with following an experimental protocols, data entry, can organize their time to accomplish a series of tasks on a given day, and has experience working with and taking care of insects and plants.

This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Need

• High school diploma and up to 1-year relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Minimum of one year experience in the conduct of laboratory, greenhouse and field experimentation in agricultural science or a related field.
• Able to correctly identification insects collected from the field experiments.
• Basic knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Word & Excel.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Assist with general lab operations including inventory general inventory which may include a variety of chemicals.
• Ability to create an inclusive high quality and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve lab, departmental and university goals.
• Must be personable, flexible, proactive, and possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and take pride in work.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and grower cooperators.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently or as part of a team.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Demonstrated effective listening skills, sound judgment, reasoning and decision-making skills, high standard of record keeping.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• B.S in Biology or similar field
• Experience manipulating and rearing insects

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

University Job Title:

Research Aide I

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

A

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$22.70 - $23.56

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

J'Frances White

Contact Email:

jmw572@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

Union Positions

Current Employees:

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Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-01-12